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The lack of official roles in the bullpen has been the talk around the Rangers over the last few days, with Neftali Feliz losing his grip on the role as the closer and Shawn Tolleson picking up the save in last night’s 2-1 win over Boston. Right now, there is not a single “lights out” reliever in the bullpen, so there is no reason to go with anything other than situational relief.

As the Rangers relievers struggle to find their identity and hope step into a role with which they are comfortable, the former Rangers skipper is doing just that.

Ron Washington has accepted a position to return to the Oakland Athletics as a Major League coach, giving him an opportunity to work with a struggling defense.

This is where Ron Washington excels.

Wash knows how to motivate and is a wizard when it comes to teaching the game; his experience, his patience, and his ability to communicate to young players is absolutely top notch. His downfall came with in-game decision making and a few errant off-field decisions.

I am happy to see Ron Washington get a second chance (although I do wish it was not with the A’s). I think he will thrive once again being given the opportunity to work through drills and mentor young players, like he did with Elvis and Holland during his time in Texas, without the pressure of managing games.

Good luck, Wash. I hope you have righted the ship and are the best position to return to the game you love.